Optimizing Your Interview Preparation
Perhaps the most intimidating aspects of job searching is the dreaded interview round. Fear of being interviewed is a natural consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people and especially your potential employers. While expressing themselves in a positive manner may come naturally to some people, others are apprehensive about being asked about their career or past achievements. Perhaps out of modesty and the discomfort arising from being asked personal questions, the interview has become an extremely intimidating aspects in the process of hiring.
This doesn’t have to be the case.
Interviews are an important opportunity for applicants to prove their capabilities are, their achievements, and potential. You have already made it through the first step and your resume has made the cut through ATS scanners and your name being selected for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon your profile, work history and the most important skills and abilities is the proverbial step to the front If you can convince the interviewer you’re a good fit that increases your chances of passing the next step of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews in case you’re experiencing doubts about speaking about your accomplishments. It is important to practice and luckily, interview questions can be rehearsed prior to the time. The key to a flawless interview is preparation. Here are some tips that you can implement to improve your chances of getting through that interview and impressing your future employers:
Make yourself comfortable when faced with tricky questions.
Interviewers ask challenging questions, partly because they want to gain information however, also since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and concerns. For instance, consider the question "Why are you resigning from your current job?"
The reason for this could be due to management concerns, or issues regarding work-life balance, for instance. No matter the answer, however, the manner in which you phrase the answer will indicate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Answer honestly and explain your responses with as much objectivity as possible. This means that you should eliminate all emotional responses, like responses based on feelings or emotions and are not supported by factual evidence.
Other questions to consider are "What made you apply for this role?", "Why should we hire us?", or trick questions such as "Why should you not choose you?" The key is not to lose your cool and plan your thoughts well.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Start with your statement and follow with a brief argument or explanation of the reasons you responded in a certain manner. Next, provide details or go into more detail. After you’ve clarified your points thoroughly you can go back to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a particular project or task, you may employ this method. STAR Method, which is also usually used in responding to selection criteria. When using STAR you will need to write the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of the actionstaken, and lastly, the Result.
It’s all in the body language
The ability to act naturally in stressful environment can be a tall order but it is possible to practice professional communication. Sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask you questions and take note of your actions. Are you fidgeting or shifting around in a tense manner? Do you look uneasy, aggressive or shut off in your body language? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you display genuineness, honesty, and genuine interest?
Think about your strengths and weak points.
Before you go to the interview, make sure you read the description of the position. Assuming that you’ve read the description and applied the roles and responsibilities outlined within to customize and modify your resume as well as other selection documents It is essential to consider the job description to clearly prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being truthful regarding your strengths will allow the interviewer to see your unique selling points as a prospect. However, signalling your intent to work on your weaknesses will also be notable.
Prepare questions
Another aspect to consider in the interview is showing genuine enthusiasm about the job and the company. The best person to inquire to ask questions of the person interviewing you is. If you’ve noticed something you like within the description of your job or if you have any questions that have not been answered on their FAQ page or their guide questions (which can be found in the job description or their general hiring page About section) Bring them up after the interview, when your interviewer invites you to ask questions. Some thought-provoking questions you may ask your employer are:
"How do I become the best person for the job, if I am offered the chance to join members of your staff?"
"Does the company have any major projects on right now"
"What are the potential opportunities for advancement and further training?"
Be aware of your salary expectations
Benefits and salary packages are usually advertised alongside the job (or in a variety if applying through SEEK). However, interviewers may still ask you how much you are expecting. One important tip is to include a range that you’d like your salary to fall instead of offering an exact or fixed number. Be sure to keep the range as narrow as possible instead of offering a any wide range. For instance, if you anticipate earning $75,000 per year, a sensible range would be in the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anything in the range of $10,000. Be aware of any other perks and benefits in addition to these when you consider your salary expectations.
Inputting these steps into your back pocket is essential to be prepared with the readiness to face the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured and be courageous.
If you need assistance with documents related to recruitment and credentials , and also for the preparation for your interview, contact Perth Resume. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants can guide you through the interview preparation steps. Contact us now for the no-cost quote or call us direct for a chat with one of our consultants on 1300 648 974.
